Ask the Expert: A Conversation with Dr. Karen Oberhauser and Dr. Anurag Agrawal

Join the Monarch Joint Venture for a special Ask the Expert event featuring two of the leading voices in monarch butterfly research and conservation: Dr. Karen Oberhauser and Dr. Anurag Agrawal. This live event offers a rare opportunity to hear from both experts as they answer your questions, share insights from their careers, and explore the science behind monarch biology, ecology, and conservation.

Date: May 21, 2025

Time: 6:00-7:30 pm CT

Where: Zoom

Dr. Karen Oberhauser is the founder of Monarchs in the Classroom and Director Emerita of the UW–Madison Arboretum. With decades of experience leading monarch research and citizen science efforts, she has dedicated her career to understanding monarch population trends and engaging communities in conservation. Her work bridges rigorous science with education and outreach, making her a champion for both monarchs and the people who protect them.

Dr. Anurag Agrawal is a professor at Cornell University and the author of Monarchs and Milkweed, a groundbreaking book that explores the evolutionary relationship between monarch butterflies and their host plants. His research focuses on plant-insect interactions, chemical ecology, and the ecological dynamics that shape monarch populations. Through his scientific leadership, Dr. Agrawal brings a deeper understanding of the complex natural systems monarchs depend on.

Bring your questions and curiosity to this unique event, and don’t miss the chance to learn from two of the most respected names in the field. Whether you’re a scientist, educator, gardener, or simply a monarch enthusiast, this conversation promises to be enlightening and inspiring.

Space is available to submit your questions during registration on the following topics:

--Monarchs and Milkweed

--Monarch Natural Enemies

--Monarch Life Cycle

--Migration Biology

--Habitat Type Value (questions about habitat configurations, type, location, management, etc.)

--Other science-based topics